LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Kentucky Derby is just four days away, but industry experts said the economy is affecting the number of people traveling to Louisville and how much money they'll be spending this weekend.

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Experts said hotel occupancy rates are down for Derby weekend by about 6 percent, and they said there will be a similar effect on Louisville's tourism industry as a whole.

Even some locals say a day at the Derby isn't easy to budget for.

"I'm going. It's a special day, special week," said Georgianne Schoonmaker, who has been waiting her entire life to go to the Kentucky Derby. This year, she's making it happen. But it wasn't easy.

"We had to save all year long," she said. "Take the change from the dollar or the money at the bottom of your purse and throw it in the piggy bank."

With everything from the price of gas to the cost of food on the rise, fewer people are spending money on entertainment.

"As these prices continue to rise, I think a lot of people are taking a wait-and-see attitude toward whether or not they can afford to come up here for three days," said Ramada Inn Operations Director Doug Simmons.

Normally, many hotels in town require three-night minimum stays during Derby weekend. This year, Simmons said the Ramada and other hotels had to lift restrictions with many rooms still unoccupied just a few weeks before derby.

"Typically we sell out of our travel packages in February, so for us to still be selling them the week of Derby tells us the economy is kind of in a patchy spot right now," said Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau President Jim Wood.

But not everyone is taking a hit.

"Ticket sales for Churchill Downs, to no one's surprise, on Kentucky Derby day sold out," said Churchill Downs representative Darren Rogers.

Churchill Downs has been sold out for months, but is still selling general admission tickets for the infield and paddock.

"In terms of the economy, the Derby is one of those events that seems to be unaffected," Rogers said.

Schoonmaker says on Derby day, her decision to bet on the horses also will be unaffected, but she will have to watch her wallet.

"Conservative $2 bets," she said. "Maybe on the Derby, a little bit more -- $5, $10."